SMITHFIELD – At the request of the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC), the Town of Smithfield is expected to adopt a Downtown Social District.
DSDC Director Sarah Edwards presented information to the Town Council, September 5, highlighting the benefits of allowing alcoholic beverage consumption in the business district.
Edwards said a social district is a defined area in which a person may consume alcoholic beverages sold by an ABC permitee within the district, and may include both indoor and outdoor areas, with the days and hours set by the local government.
The social district can include privately-owned property, including businesses, public streets, or parking areas whether the streets or parking areas are closed to vehicle traffic.
Edwards said there are approximately 30 municipal social districts across the state, including the Town of Selma. She stated no municipality has eliminated a social district, and no municipalities have reported negative impacts.
Councilman Roger Wood asked if a police officer would be assigned to the district during social hours. He was told there would be no assigned officer, however, police officers on patrol could respond to any issues or randomly patrol the district.
Mayor Andy Moore said the town doesn’t have a police officer in every restaurant that currently has an ABC permit and serves alcohol.
In addition to ABC permittee businesses in the social district, the DSDC director said she would like to see local non-profits be allowed to come in and hold alcohol and beer sale fundraisers.
Businesses that do not wish to participate are required to clearly post signage that alcoholic beverages may not be taken into their establishments.
Edwards said a person can only possess and consume alcohol purchased from an ABC permittee in the district, and cannot bring their own personal beer or wine into the district for consumption. Alcohol must be sold in plastic cups with the business and DSDC names clearly displayed on the cups. She added a social district does not create a right to break laws, does not encourage people to be drunk in public or over consume, and does not encourage underage drinking.
She believes the district would be an economic development tool to drive more foot traffic to Downtown Smithfield and would improve the safety and have a positive impact on small businesses.
Currently six businesses in Downtown Smithfield serve alcohol.
The proposed social district is generally along Market Street from the Neuse River to Fourth Street, the 100 blocks of North and South Third Street, and the Neuse River Amphitheater. The district could expand, if successful.
Edwards suggested the social district hours of 10:00am until 10:00pm Monday through Sunday. Mayor Pro Tem John Dunn recommended the hours be adjusted to 12 Noon until 10:00pm.
Whether alcohol consumption would be allowed during events like the annual Ham and Yam Festival and Christmas Parade was not addressed. The council has the authority to exclude the sale of alcohol during events, if they desire.
Councilman Dr. David Barbour expressed concern social districts would increase alcohol exposure to youth, and would make it easier for adults to purchase larger quantities of alcohol. He cited a recent study showing alcohol harm cost North Carolina over $10 billion each year and had disproportionate negative impacts on the African American and Indigenous communities.
Councilman Marlon Lee questioned who would enforce the rules and regulations. Councilman Barbour asked how do you measure success of the district and how do you measure failure?
In a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Dunn, the council voted 4-to-2 to approve the district, but it was not approved. Five votes were needed for its passage on the first attempt. A simple majority is needed on a second vote, which could occur as early as the October meeting. (Councilman Travis Scott was not present at the September meeting.)
All for it. America still has a puritan streak that comes out in the weirdest places. If you want to keep young people from abusing alcohol tell congress to limit where they can advertise.
As long as it doesn’t affect traffic through the Market St bottleneck, I have no problem with it.
It’s easy to see who the Leftist “social warriors” and anti-business zealots are, on the Smithfield council. #VoteOutIncumbents #StopStiflingCapitalism
Where are all you so called Christians? Why aren’t you yelling at the top of your voice about the town allowing Sinners to drink alcohol on the streets of town? I remember when you had to Brown Bag in NC and a majority of those folks were so called Christians. If someone wanted to change the Brown Bag so called Christians were the first to protest about the sins of alcohol. WOW how the times have changed. Apparently alcohol is no longer as sin to Christians, 🤔 or is it because so called Christians can no longer rile up the base over alcohol? Just another example of idol worshipping Christians picking and choosing what parts of the bible to believe.
#Hypocrites.
Fill the streets with alcohol drinking sinners, I’m all for it $$$$$
@P01135809: You may not realize this, but not everyone is a Christian. One day, you might travel beyond the bonds of JoCo and realize there’s a whole, wide, world. In this country, we are not ruled by religion. In fact, you should read the Establishment clause of the First Amendment and understand why the Christian religion doesn’t determine the laws.
No one wants to be around people anymore especially opinionated drunks. How about focus on infrastructure and criminal activities. Stop trying to entertain the new trends. New aquatic centers, walk trails, concert venues! Water, sewer, roads, power, emergency. Population growth will overwhelm the services and no one cares about a social district a that point. Or just keep creating more bureaucracy. That’s the SOP to any inexperienced elected official.
@Tab it’s all about who can put the most Pesos in their pocket.
Why are they allowing outside businesses and a NONPROFIT to come downtown to sale alcohol? This takes business away from the businesses paying to support the DSDC?
@china: Having competition and multiple choices are ALWAYS good for the public. Iy leads to lower prices and more variety. Maybe the “china” in your names is showing your true colors?
Churches selling beer on the street corners 🍻